Ford Focus ST: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Ford Focus ST is a front-wheel-drive performance hatchback that pairs everyday practicality with a strong turbo engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and sharper handling than a regular Focus. It is known for being fun to drive without giving up useful cargo space or daily comfort.
The Focus ST has always been the practical performance version of the Focus hatchback. Ford gave it more than a sporty appearance, adding a stronger engine, sharper steering and suspension, upgraded brakes, and a driver-focused cabin. Its lasting appeal is the balance between lively handling and everyday usefulness.
Strengths
- Its turbocharged engine delivers strong everyday punch, with 252 horsepower in 2015.
- The six-speed manual gearbox makes the driver an active part of the experience.
- Sharper steering, suspension, and brakes make it meaningfully more capable than a regular Focus.
- The hatchback layout provides real everyday utility, with up to 44.8 cubic feet of cargo space in 2015.
- Its ride and interior feel more comfortable and polished than those of many small performance cars.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants one car for commuting, errands, and spirited back-road drives. It is especially fitting for a driver who enjoys shifting gears and values handling, but still needs a usable hatchback.
Ford Focus ST lineup
The U.S. Focus ST lineup was simple, with one core trim rather than a ladder of separate performance versions. That Base model carried the defining ST hardware: the turbo engine, six-speed manual, sport-tuned steering and suspension, and hatchback body. The main used-car distinction is by model year, with 2015 bringing fresher styling, a cleaner cabin layout, retuned steering and suspension, and a standard rearview camera.
Ford Focus ST generations
From 2013 to 2015, the Focus ST spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2013.
3rd Generation (2013–2018)
This generation brought the Focus ST to the U.S. as a five-door performance hatchback. It pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a six-speed manual, plus ST-specific steering, suspension, brakes, and styling.
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2015Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a cleaner cabin layout, retuned steering and suspension, and a standard rearview camera.
2014
Carried over with the same 252-hp turbo engine, six-speed manual, and original body styling.
2013New generation
First U.S. model year, introduced as a five-door performance hatchback with a turbo engine and six-speed manual.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Ford Focus ST.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Ford Focus ST?
The Ford Focus ST is a five-door performance hatchback. It combines the cargo usefulness and five-seat cabin of a small hatchback with a turbo engine, a manual gearbox, and sharper steering and suspension than the regular Focus.
What is the Focus ST known for?
The Focus ST is known for mixing lively performance with everyday usefulness. Its strong turbo engine and driver-focused controls make it engaging, while its hatchback body, usable cargo area, and relatively comfortable ride keep it practical.
Is the Ford Focus ST a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market Focus ST covered here uses a gas-powered 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. No hybrid powertrain is identified for this generation.
Does the Focus ST come with an automatic transmission?
No. The U.S. Focus ST in this generation came with a six-speed manual transmission. Shoppers who do not want to shift gears themselves will need to consider a different Focus version or another model.
Is the Focus ST all-wheel drive?
No. The Focus ST is front-wheel drive. Ford used torque-vectoring control and torque-steer compensation to help manage the turbo engine's power through the front wheels.
Is the Focus ST practical enough for daily use?
Yes, for shoppers comfortable with a manual gearbox. It seats five and has a hatchback cargo area, while its more comfortable ride and polished cabin help it work as everyday transportation as well as a performance car.
How many generations of the Focus ST were sold in the U.S. during this run?
The U.S. Focus ST covered here belongs to one third-generation run from 2013 through 2018. Models from 2015 onward have refreshed styling, a cleaner cabin layout, retuned steering and suspension, and a standard rearview camera.